PSNI officers in Derry will be carrying out random breath tests at vehicle checkpoints this summer in a bid to catch more drink drivers and take them off the roads.
Launching their summer road safety campaign, the police urged drivers to take extra care on the roads as the school holidays begin.
Superintendent Sue Steen said over the coming months, officers would be using legislation which gives them powers to perform random breath tests at vehicle checkpoints.
To date this year, 28 people have been killed on the roads in Northern Ireland.
“Considering that many, if not the majority of these deaths caused by collisions could have been avoided; it is an appalling waste of life,” said Superintendent Steen.
“Inattention, speeding, or more accurately, excessive speed for the conditions and drink or drug driving, are consistently the principal causes of the most serious road traffic collisions in which people are killed or seriously injured.
“Over the coming months, we will have police resources on the roads across Northern Ireland and will be using legislation first introduced in November 2016, which gives us powers to perform random breath tests at vehicle checkpoints.
“In addition to the checkpoints, any driver or motorcyclist we stop, whether for speeding, using a mobile phone, or committing any moving traffic offence can expect to be breathalysed.
“So too can anyone involved in a collision or who we suspect may have consumed alcohol or taken drugs.”
The PSNI will also be working with An Garda Síochána Traffic Corps looking for road users taking unnecessary and potentially life-changing risks.
Drivers are being urged to keep an eye out for increased numbers of children using or crossing roads, particularly close to parks and leisure amenities, in addition to junctions and bus stops.
Pedestrians must pay attention to their environment, whether that means not getting distracted by friends or mobile devices, or being especially careful when walking on country roads by walking against the traffic flow and by wearing highly visible clothing, said Superintendent Steen.
Gardai will be helping PSNI along the border to catch those drivers taking unnecessary risks
“With the better weather we are also particularly mindful of more motorcyclists taking to the roads, so we’re encouraging bikers to ensure their motorcycles and safety equipment are in good working order and that they ride defensively.
“In addition, drivers need to be alert to the presence of motorcyclists using the road network, particularly when emerging from and turning into junctions.”
Police are also advising anyone taking using their vehicle on any long holiday trips or drives to ensure that their vehicle is in top and safe working condition.
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